The CoW is watching!
A step towards a safer and more technologically advanced capital was marked on Tuesday as First National Bank Namibia handed over CCTV equipment valued at just shy of N$570 000 to the City of Windhoek (CoW) in support of its Smart Policing Strategy.
The donation is expected to strengthen surveillance capacity in high-priority areas, aligning with the city’s broader plan to integrate smart technologies into public safety and urban management.
Speaking at the handover, FNB Chief Operations Officer Rodney Forbes highlighted the importance of partnerships in building safer communities. He said the bank’s contribution reflects its commitment to national development and community wellbeing.
“For us, this is about more than infrastructure; it is about enabling a safer environment where residents, businesses and visitors can operate with confidence,” he said.
The equipment includes ten dual-lens panoramic and pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras designed to provide both wide-area coverage and detailed monitoring in large outdoor spaces. A further ten vertical pole mounts will support secure installation, while 21 automatic number plate recognition cameras, equipped with artificial intelligence, are intended to enhance vehicle tracking and data analysis.
City officials have identified key locations where the system is expected to deter criminal activity, improve response times and support investigations.
Forbes noted that modern surveillance systems have become a key tool in crime prevention globally, acting both as a deterrent and as a source of high-quality evidence for law enforcement.
The initiative forms part of Windhoek’s ongoing transition towards a smart city model, where data-driven solutions are utilised to enhance service delivery and safety. Real-time surveillance has been identified as a key component of this approach, aimed at creating a more secure and efficient urban environment.
Acting Chief Executive of the CoW, Fillemon Neputa, expressed gratitude to the bank for its continued support.
FNB Namibia said the investment reflects a shared commitment with the city to improving safety, noting that a more secure urban environment supports economic activity and enhances quality of life for residents.
